While the world is at war against a microscopic enemy that's scientifically called the coronavirus, South African women are embattled in a gender infused war that has seen countless women painfully losing their lives.
Femicide has reached alarming levels that even president Cyril Ramaphosa has vocally spoken out and expressed his dismay.
Communities have joined hands, activists have spoken out loud, civil rights groups have condemned the attacks and society is ready to wage war.
Many Absa Premier Soccer League (PSL) stars have used their social media accounts to condemn the rising femicide spike.
But posts and hashtags on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat are not enough. While they are crucial in maximising the reach, there are lots of activities that our footballers can do to join in the fight.
1) Becoming feminist dads
Feminism is no longer just a female thing. A new breed of feminist dads is trending worldwide. Feminist dads see the worth of women and give the girl child equal life opportunities.
Footballers such as Mamelodi Sundowns star Andile Jali have used their social media handles to highlight the bond between them and their daughters. Feminist dads are important in the war against Gender Based Violence because they can relay a woman's worth to other dads.
2) Setting up marches
Slain American George Floyd became a global icon in the march against racism. It showed the power of joining hands in combating social ills.
Footballers are role models and imagine the impact that a bunch of our local players could have if they set up a March in the fight against femicide. The whole of SA could take to the streets and the message would be bold.
3) Engaging their peers
Local footballers are known to attract an entourage of followers in their social gatherings. Be it a chesa nyama, an outing at a club, a boy's get together or a Sunday chillax at home, the onus lies on footballers to engage their friends or associates or colleagues about the hurt that women abuse does to our country. That engagement could go a long way towards changing the perceptions that some men have over women.
4) Leading by example
It takes a man to be a man. Footballers are the mainstay of their communities and people look up to them for inspiration. The way they liase and respect women in their communities will undoubtedly rub onto fans.
5) Campaigns during matches
Football is a gentleman's game and likewise thousands throng to football stadiums to watch their favourite stars in action. Players could embark on anti femicide campaigns before, during and after matches. There are so many innovative campaigns bordered around this.
Femicide is everyone's concern. It is not a private matter or a family issue. Everyone's involvement is crucial at this stage and the involvement of our PSL players won't go unnoticed.
